National Whale and Dolphin Watch: Pencarrow Head

Wilderness Photographic SQSW

Wilderness Photographic SQSW

National Whale and Dolphin Watch: Pencarrow Head

Location:
Pencarrow Head, Lantic Bay, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1NP
Join Seaquest Southwest’s public seawatch in 2025 National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week to spot wildlife and support marine conservation.

Event details

Meeting point

Meet the Seaquest Southwest team at on the headland. They will be wearing hi-vis jackets and have a Cornwall Wildlife Trust flag.
View on What3Words

Date

Time
11:00am - 1:00pm
A static map of National Whale and Dolphin Watch: Pencarrow Head

About the event

National Whale and Dolphin Watch is a UK-wide citizen science event run by the Sea Watch Foundation each summer, where volunteers join land and boat-based surveys to record sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Taking place from 26 July to 3 August in 2025, the event supports marine conservation by monitoring species distribution through public involvement. In Cornwall, the Seaquest Southwest team from Cornwall Wildlife Trust will lead four public surveys at key headlands across the county.

Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025

Location: Pencarrow Head, nr. Lantic Bay, PL23 1NP

Google Maps Location

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BRofntXkzYeY8anz5 

What 3 Wordshttps://w3w.co/either.objective.exists 

Time: 11am – 1pm

The survey includes settling into a sea-watching session, scanning the water for wildlife sightings. There’s time for breaks, and attendees are encouraged to bring a hot drink in a flask, snacks, and binoculars if available. Please wear or bring warm, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear, as the event takes place on exposed cliffs, where weather conditions can be unpredictable. Safety is a top priority, so be prepared for uneven terrain and cold winds. Everyone is welcome, making it a perfect activity for families, individuals, and nature lovers alike.

The recommended public transport to reach Pencarrow Head is via Looe railway station, located around 6.5 miles (10km) away. From Looe, take the Go Cornwall Bus service 281 towards Polruan and get off at Frogmore Farm, which is the nearest stop to the headland. It is approximately a 20 minute walk out to the headland. 

For any further information, please contact seaquest@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk 

Booking

Price

FREE

Suitable for

Families, Children, Adults, Experts, Beginners

Know before you go

Dogs

image/svg+xml
Under effective control

Dogs are allowed but please bear in mind we are standing in a stationary position for two hours.

image/svg+xml

Mobility

It is not compulsory to participate for the full two hours.

Getting there: To reach Pencarrow Head by road, take the A390 from Dobwalls to Lostwithiel, then turn onto the B3359 at East Taphouse towards Pelynt and follow signs to Polruan. The Pencarrow car park is located off the coast road, about 1 mile (1.6km) from Polruan. By public transport, the nearest railway station is Looe, 6.5 miles (10km) away. From there, take the 281 bus towards Polruan and alight at Frogmore Farm for the closest access point. For planning your journey, visit the Traveline website.

Route & Terrain: The walk is approximately 20 minutes along uneven footpaths, from Pencarrow Head National Trust car park. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Some steep climbs, rocky outcrops and step-stiles. Section walking along narrow road; can be muddy after wet weather. Cliffs are dangerous (children should be supervised).

Toilets: The nearest toilets are at Frogmore car park, grid ref: SX156518. No facilities are available at the lookout point or along the route.

Accessibility: Assistance animals are welcome. While there are no designated quiet spaces, the Southwest Coast Path offers peaceful spots for visitors to rest and enjoy the stunning coastal views.

Additional Tips: Wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring snacks if needed, and check local weather before starting. The coastal path can be windy and slippery

image/svg+xml

Wheelchair access

No
image/svg+xml

What to bring

  • Bring your binoculars or you can borrow some from the group.
  • Warm layers
  • Waterproofs
  • Hot Drink and Water
  • Snacks for personal consumption
image/svg+xmlP

Parking information

Pencarrow car park is located off the coast road 1 mile (1.6km) from Polruan. Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QwQ9mJE8qReRjUUY6 What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/held.think.collides

Contact us

Seaquest Southwest